Indoor Beach Volleyball in Oregon at White-Sands Beach

Until a few years ago, beach volleyball in the Oregon and Southwest Washington region was limited to the warmer months between about May and September. A visit to some of the outdoor venues in the area during months like March and April might have revealed a few hardcore players occasionally braving the early spring temperatures to play in the sand. However, for the most parts, players in significant numbers did not start playing until the weather warmed up more. Then, the North Pacific Beach Volleyball Association (NPBVA) introduced its covered sand volleyball facility at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem. But, while the covered facility generally provided dry sand, it could not shield players from cold temperatures. Now, the NPBVA, led by Brian Chapman, has introduced White-Sands Beach.

The new White-Sands Beach volleyball venue is completely indoors, and promises conditions that are dry and warm. For the first time in the Portland and Vancouver area, this winter beach volleyball enthusiasts will be offered the opportunity to play in consistently comfortable conditions. The facility is touted as the largest of its kind on the west coast. Modeling its image after the world-famous "white sand" beaches of Kona, Hawaii, Chapman and NPBVA aim to bring a bit of the tropical environment to the Pacific Northwest.

The new facility will likely host leagues, tournaments and events similar to those previously held at the Fair Grounds location. Fall leagues- men's, women's and co-ed quads and doubles should start in September and run till warm weather draws the players outside. In all likelihood, White-Sands Beach will be home to the long-running NPBVA's Polar Bear Tournament in February (although the warm conditions might take away from nostalgia of the name), as well as the Saint Patrick's Day tournament in March. White-Sands Beach is located in Hilsboro, Oregon at 1600 NE 25th Ave in Suite D. You can find their Facebook page by searching for "White-Sands Beach" or visit their website at www.npbva.com to register for the emailing list and receive information about leagues and tournaments.Whether you are a beach volleyball enthusiast or an indoor player looking for a place to rest your aching joints, make sure to check out the scene at the new White-Sands Beach.